Ask USDA to Set Standards for Placement of Confiscated and Consent Decision Elephants

The decision by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use AZA accreditation as the criteria for suitable placement of confiscated and consent decision elephants is disastrous for the elephants who have suffered enough during their lifetime.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request the USDA to adopt the following policy considerations:

1. Permanent, lifetime placement guarantee

2. Placement in a facility that does not use bullhooks or other aversive training techniques

3. Insurance that the elephant will not, and cannot, be traded or exchanged, or bred

4. Placement in appropriate social groups

5. Placement with compatible elephants

6. Placement in a facility where space and housing is adequate, allowing the elephant to roam and express natural behaviors

7. Annual placement follow-up report